A DESIGNSTUDY FOR SPRINGFIELD ARMORY, SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS.
by
Frederick T. Kubitz October 28, 1955 I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Dean Belluschi, and the members of the Graduate Thesis Committee for their most helpful assistance and advice. I also wish to convey my deep appreciation to those persons affiliated with the Springfield Armory for their generous co-operation. This thesis is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
to:
Professor Lawrence B. Anderson, Head of trhle Department of Architecture, MassachueN ts Institt4 of/Technology, by:
Frederick T. Kubitz
October 28, 1955 TABLE CF CONTENTS
Pae
Letter of Submittal 1
Abstract 2
Mission of Springfield Armory 3 History and Development of the Armory 4 Fundamental Information 8
A Discussion of the Hill Shop Facilities 11 Generalized Requirements for Design 13
Site and Area Requirements 18
The Site 18
Area Requirements 20 The Design 21
A. The Major Triad 22 B. Open Spaces and Plazas 24
C. Security 27
D. The Buildings 29
1. Administration Building 29
N 2. Parking 29
N 3. Manufacturing Buildings 30
4. Armory Operation Building 31 and Research and Development
5. Museum 32
6. Public Park 32
7. Housing 32 - 1 -
51 Westgate Cambridge, Massachusetts October 28, 1955
Dean Pietro Belluschi, Department of Architecture and Planning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Dear Sirt
As partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Master in Architecture, I respectfully submit my thesis entitled:
",A Designstudy for Springfield Armory, Springfield, Massa- chusetts".
Si e youtsaky
Fredb'F'T'-.~ Kibitz _==!r _*0@00,40
- 2 -
ABSTRACT
A Designstudy for Springfield Armory, Springfield, Massachusetts.
This thesis is based on a hypothetical study of the redevelop-
ment of the Hill Shop Branch of Springfield Armory. Using
the same basic requirements, spatial and functional, as those of the existing facilities, the author has attempted to give
them new meaning. By revaluating the present situation, and determining the problem to be treated, the author is then
able to adapt them to a new and more valid architectural
approach.
Briefly the design requirements are as follows:
1. To re-establish basic land usage so all elements located thereon can better serve their purpose,
their adjacent function, as well as, the total
organization both functionally and esthetically. 2. To create a more friendly architectural attitude
between Armory and community, by opening it up
both physically and visually.
3. To retain those buildings symbolizing its first
beginning, and blend them with the new in such
a way that the old are given a place of dignity. 4. To develop a more subtle approach to the problem
of security than the one presently used. MODEL OF PRESENT HILL SHOP BRANCH
- 3 -
MISSION OF SPRINGFIELD ARMORY
The mission of Springfield Armory is to design, develop, procure and manufacture small arms weapons, components, accessories, and related equipment. In addition, Springfield
Armory is charged with the storage and maintenance of standby tools and equipment.
To accomplish its production mission, the Armory must work closely with industry exercising every effort to devise ways and means whereby the items assigned to it for design, devel- opment, procurement and manufacture may be instantly trans- ferred to industry for mass production.
Springfield Armory is not a mass production center; it is a job shop with pilot manufacturing lines. Designs, descrip- tions of manufacture, drawings, specifications, and allied documents must be such that they can be utilized bj com- mercial manufacturers who in time of war will mass produce. They must not be prepared from the limited point of view of the Armory and its facilities. They must be based on the utilization of America's industrial plants and must incorpor- ate the best of industry's ideas and techniques.
Springfield Armory Bulletin, 1951. - 4 -
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARMORY
Springfield Armory is one of the oldest of our national in-. stitutions. The history of Springfield Armory dates back to the founding of Springfield, Massachusetts, from which it
takes its name, by settlers from the Massachusetts Bay Colony, sixteen years after the settlement of that Colony.
In the early days of the Colonies, when new lands in little- known territory were opened to settlers, a most necessary item was a gun. In time, the population increased as did the number of weapons. At that time all guns were manufactured
in either England, Germany, France or Spain, and because of
the great distance from Europe some farsighted individuals who possessed the necessary talents opened gun repair shops. Soon
they had a great quantity of trade with all the Colonies. The gun business attracted some of the best gun-making talent of the old world and soon Springfield and the surrounding com- munities were known for the quality and quantity of their gun work.
Because of the presence of a large number of gunsmiths, black- smiths, and artisans of all kinds, it was not surprising that arrangements were made at the outbreak of the Revolutionary
War whereby men, working in combination- some specializing in barrels and ramrods, some in locks and riggings, and others in stocks--were able to turn out a limited quantity of muskets.
To General Henry Knox, of Boston one of General Washington's most experienced officers, is given the credit of first sug- gesting the need of manufacturing and storage places for muni- tions to supply the rebellious colonies. General Knox recom- mended that one or more laboratories and depots be erected far from the seat of war. His recommendations strongly approved by General Washington were accepted by the Continental Con- gress and one of the "laboratories" was established at Spring- field. Early in 1777, buildings were rented on Main Street, and the "laboratory" in which cartridges were made was located in a barn in the rear.
A few years later, the works were removed to the high ground of Springfield then known as the "Training Field." This is now called Armory Square, the area bounded by the high iron fence. There barracks, shop buildings, storehouses and a powder magazine were constructed. A powder mill was erected on the banks of Mill River and thus the forerunners of the
Hill and Water Shops.
General Washington was convinced of the need for the adoption of a standard military rifle and the development of adequate facilities to manufacture such an arm in quantities. Acting - 6 -
upon such recommendations, the Third Congress, when it met in the spring of 1794, authorized the establishment, under the
President of the United States, of three or four arsenals with magazines for the safe keeping of military stores and also provided for the establishment of a National Armory for the fabrication of small arms at each of these arsenals.
President Washington selected Springfield as the site for one of the arsenals. The Armory has been known by several desig- nations since its establishment; the "United States Armory," the "National Armory," and since 1892, the "Springfield
Armory."
The climax of the Armory growth and development came in 1942, when employment rose to an all time high of 15,000 workers.
Springfield was the major provider of M-1 rifles to all armed forces. Today the plant has been reduced to a standing per- sonnel of from 2,000 to 5,000 people. At best it can only be surmised as to what the future will bring. Current Depart- ment of Defense directives have indicated a leveling off in production and it is believed this trend could continue on an indefinite basis. Its new role began during the Korean War when it served as a pilot plant for civilian industry con- tracting to make war weapons. Today it is a place where industry can come to learn from a teacher with a 160 years of experience. - 7 -
Springfield Armory as it now exists is made up of three plants--
the Hill Shops and the Water Shops about one mile apart, and Page Boulevard, in an outlying part of town. The Hill Shopt
occupy the old "Training Field," of fifty-three acres, and
an additional fourteen acres, today known as Federal Square.
These two sections are separated by Federal Street, a public
right-of-way ceded to Springfield in 1801. The one side called Armory Square, is predominately of military residents and administration buildings, thirty-six in all. On the other
side, Federal Square, manufacturing structures are most preva- lent, eighteen major elements there. These two tracts of land
are generally considered to be the heart of the installation
and referred to as "The Armory."
Of the 237 acres of Water Shops, only a scant fourteen acres
are not inundated by the Mill Pond. These facilities are devoted entirely to manufacturing and forging operations.
Page Boulevard, the newest of the three, started in 1950,
partially covers some sixteen acres of suburban Springfield. Principally it is a materials and machine warehousing area
for the manufacturing branches of the Armory. CORE OF SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS a I i~ 'I / /
SPAGE BL
RINGFIELD MASS. SCALE OF FEET owenwn o se 3me ' /ke J/ref 0/7 - Poposed Sireft brtd ir n I i i 40
-4 1 ' - 8 -
FUNDAMENTAL INFORMATI ON
In the succeeding paragraphs the author has simply tried to record a few of the ideas and comments of Armory officals about the possibility of removing the facilities to another location, thus consolidating them.
So far as it is possible to judge, they believe it should remain in its present location. Primarily New England, be- cause of its skilled labor resources, allied manufacturers, and compatible transportation facilities, lends itself quite aptly to this form of manufacturing. Although other industries have moved away, and have better situated themselves, the small arms industry could never survive in conditions other than those prevailing. The only other logical shift which could be made, would be within its own immediate vicinity.
Here again they see no real merit in changing sites within the city. From the three succeeding observations, the author can agree with this point of view.
1. Essentially there is no rail head immediately accessible to the Armory. They feel this presents no major disadvantage, because of the type, quantity, and flow of material transported.
Raw materials supplied are by weight, heavy, but by volume, easy to handle. - 9 -
2. Consolidation of facilities, though desirable, would not be necessary. If in the future there were to be any reorgani- zation of Armory facilities it would remain within the same framework. At present the Armory manufacturing facilities are sub-divided into three distinct and separate operations administered under one head. Operations taking place in the
Water Shops, are completed before their finished products are trucked to the Hill. The Hill Shops are dependent on the shops below for forged parts and completed assemblies, other- wise they carry on an entirely different set of operations.
The same independent existance is true of Page Boulevard.
Concentration would afford administrative personnel, "more comfort, less problems, but otherwise no greater efficiency would be derived."
3. The last observation though not as important, should be considered. Because of the Armory's desirable location, many of its employees have taken permanent roots near their work. Public transportation has been relied upon for many years earring them to and from their jobs. To alter this situation, it would lead to some minor disadvantages outside the realm of either plant managment or architecture.
The possibility of a staging program could be investigated.
(Although the author would question its usefulness in a thesis of this nature.) There are certain recent buildings which - 10 -
are quite satisfactory in their present function, and by observation, look as though they will continue to be so. Armory officals feel certain that most phases of Armory oper- ation could be kept active during such a program. Temporary paralysis should be avoided. - 11 -
A DISCUSSION OF THE HILL SHOP FACILITIES
From the concluding statements under the "History and Develop- ment of the Armory" it can be assumed that present facilities
(area requirements, relationships of elements, etc.) will be adequate for any future Armory activities. It was then es- tablished that the same general balance between Branches would be continued. From this point forward the author has chosen to limit his discussion to that portion of the Armory complex under consideration in this thesis.
Within the Hill Shop Branch of the Armory on Armory Square and Federal Square, we find a smattering of all Armory ac- tivities in one sub-division: administration, residential, manufacturing, research and development, and warehousing.
It is felt that by limiting the program to this one area, the problems are not lessened, but are merely concentrated.
Today the Armory's manufacturing facilities and their related elements are totally out of date and inadequate, because of their antiquity, for the purpose of continuing its present and future missions in a well organized pattern. Buildings designed for one purpose are now being used for another, floor loadings and area requirements once satisfactory, are no longer adequate; and buildings whose shapes were once commodious for light production are not compatible for this use today. - 12 -
From a chronological break down one could measure the quali- fications of the buildings this way. Of the fifty building units located on the Hill, five are comparatively new, fifteen were constructed around the turn of the century, and the re- maining thirty were built prior to 1880.
As the Armory grew, buildings were erected in a hit or miss fashion without the benefit of a master plan. Broad greens were created sometimes by circumstance, for relatively un-
important functions and where land was genuinely needed, there was none to be had. Proper land usage was greatly neglected, and with the advent of the automobile, even more confusion was added. Although it is quite pleasant to see the beauti- ful broad courts surrounded by old red-brick facades, and walk along tree shaded sidewalks, one cannot help feel the piece-meal existence carried on within. - 13 -
GENERALIZED REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGN
In a hypothetical design project of this nature the problems
to be dealt with are many times vague and abstract, not easily recognized as what they are. The problems underlying the project are then as important as the solution itself. To seek out the basic requirements, those points the author feels will have the greater bearing on successful culmination of the project, requires a rather exhaustive appraisal of the exist- ing situation.
An important part of the project, when examining the site with respect to its own urban surrounding, is concerned with the adjustment of buildings located thereon to the activities and open area around it.
The Armory as it has developed has contributed much to the growth of Springfield, Massachusetts. This fact has been acknowledged many times and ways. The City of Springfield itself has paid highest tribute to the Armory by incorporating in their city seal a remembrance of its presence. Evolution continues and even though the city has reached new limits, the Armory still holds a prominent position in the community both by its location and stature. It is then unfortunate from the author's point of view, to see continued a stigma which seems to plague most government architecture. The - 14 -
same story exists here as elsewhere, "U. S. Property, No
Trespassing." This feeling is synonymous with government in- stallations of this nature, and should, the author believes, be broken down.
It has been the author's purpose to remove the visual barriers
created by high fences and continous lines of buildings that now shut out the city. Instead, he has from various vantage points tried to penetrate deeply into this complex, creating broad vistas and well-balanced combinations of differentiated
open spaces. At the same time a general level of architect- ural unity should be maintained between buildings and open
spaces so that their appearance-mass-proportion-form and color will integrate harmoniously with its urban environment.
Thus, a more friendly architectural attitude could be created between Armory and community.
The accent is on the preparation of a new approach to the
design project both architecturally and philosophically. The
author feels one factor that would influence this approach most assuredly, is the historical significance of this in-
stallation. One of the oldest institutions of its kind, it
is closest to the hearts of military and civilian alike. A
certain vestige of its history, which is American history,
should be retained without disrupting the new pattern. There
has been a definite attempt from the very outset to retain r
15 -
those buildings symbolizing its first beginning, and blend
them with the new in such a way that the old are given a
place of dignity. Yet, at the same time permitting the public direct access to the old structures. Another link with the
past and symbolic with most military installations in history,
is the drill field. The present large quadrangle in the center of Armory Square, the old "militia training field" of
Revolutionary days, is felt to be synonymous with the Armory.
The author can retain this inherent atmosphere which has
dominated the architecture of this post since its founding
in 1794, by recalling in essence this feeling of space.
Speaking again of the existing facilities, another close tie was found between the inherent atmosphere of the Armory and
the semi-regimentation of its architecture. Again it is felt
that this relationship can be continued by expressing the new in the simplest possible terms, using common denominators of
form, material and color.
Including the public in the activities of the Armory has been
of a prime consideration. Last year no fewer than 32,000
interested persons were admitted to the grounds to view the few activities open to the public. This number was limited
simply because there were not adequate facilities to accommo-
date more. The author has attempted to open as much of the
site as possible to the public. - 16 -
One immediate reaction after observing the present facilities, is the great waste of usable space. It is felt that by re-
establishing basic land usages, all elements might better serve their purpose, their adjacent function, as well as the total organization.
In order to create as much public domain as possible, the
author has made an attempt to revaluate and interpret the present security needs of the Armory, and employ more subtle
approaches to this problem. It is felt by doing this a greater amount of flexibility can be achieved. Public and private
spaces could overlap and the observer would then be afforded a greater sense of unobstructed visual freedom. In accordance
with this approach, all elements and their surrounding areas are catagorized into the following groups:
Restricted Semi-private Public
Research and Development Administration Personnel Manufacturing Parking Museum
Warehousing Housing (and Offi- t * Power Plants cers Club)
Plant Facilities
Armory Operations
* Doubly restricted. r
- 17 -
There are many ways to successfully bar intruders. Water
barriers have been proven quite effective, smooth stone
fences, pits, and steep inclines, all offering greater possi- bilities than the chain fence. At present military regula-
tions require a seven foot high chain fence topped with barbed
wire along the perifery of any land housing military buildings,
unless otherwise protected by natural or other artificial
barriers. - 18 -
SITE AND AREA REQUIREMENTS
The Site.
Of the two sites the one to be used is Armory Square. This
fifty-three acre tract of land is bounded on the southeast by State Street, the northeast by Federal Street, by Pearl Street to the northwest and by Byers Street to the southwest.
This complex is located more nearly in Springfield along "Old Boston Road" situated on the edge of a bluff overlooking the Connecticut River. Approximately 70 per cent of this
area is flat, although along one half of State Street, and all of Byers and Pearl Streets the land falls sharply away
forming rather high embankments.
State Street is by far the most important of the four. From
its origin in the center of the business district, to the
outskirts of the city, it is lined with a wide variety of commercial, public, and private buildings. Opposite the site there are a number of large buildings including a high school,
Masonic Temple, and an insurance building. The best vantage point for a view of Armory grounds is from this heavily
traveled street along the more easterly portion of the site.
Federal Street, though quite heavily traveled during certain times of the day, affords possibly the best automobile and
truck access to the site. This street linked with Walnut
Street forms the mile long run between the Hill and the - 19-
Water Shops. Pearl Street, lined with apartments and other multiple dwelling units, is of little consequence from a visual and practical point of view. It is too steep, thus being of little value as a suitable entrance for cars and trucks, and the embankment along the northwest boundry hides practically any vestige of Armory activity. Byers Street is little more than a residential street serving the homes bor- dering it. -- 1
THE SITE - 7RESIDENTIAL
PUBLIC - 20 -
Area Requirements Area/ Number of Total Building Dimensions Floor Floors Area
Administration 215'1x150' 30,750 sq, ft. 3 92,250 sq.ft.
Personnel 80'x40' 3,200 1 3,200
Manufacturing 600'x320' 192,000 2 384,000 190'x120' 22,800 1 22,800
Warehouse 235'x125' 30,000 2 60,000
Plant Facilities 200'x55' 11,000 3 33,000 160'x65' 10,400 4 41,600
Automobile 140'x40' 5,600 1 5,600 Maintenance
Power Plant 150'x70' 10,500 1 10,500
Drying Kiln 120'x25' 3,000 1 3,000
Armory Operations 185tx45' 8,325 4 33,280
Research and 235'x55' 12,925 3 38,775 Development Precision casting 50'x40' 2,000 2 4,000
Housing 71,000
Officers' Club 140'x40' 5,600 2 11,200 - 21 -
TBE DESIGN
The overall concept is based on the following principal thoughts:
1. A system of elevated walks connecting all principal buildings and spaces to be used as the architectural key to security control for the Armory.
2. A series of open and closed spaces which will define and separate the various Armory activities.
3. The creation of as much public area as possible without infringing upon the vital functions of
the Armory. - 22 -
A. The Major Triad
The major triad, as the author has termed it, dominates and organizes the site. One element of this system is the large administration building with its axis parallel to and fifty yards from State Street. This element, as well as the per- sonnel building connected to it by an entrance portico, key- notes the main public entrance to the installation. Second of the three elements, the parking garage, is located north- east of the administration building. This well articulated structure forms a subtle ending to the main entrance. It is set well back from both State and Federal Streets, so that its dominance is not too apparent to passers-by. Access is from Federal Street. Third, is the manufacturing plant. This massive eight acre structure is located more nearly in the center of the site, with its major axis parallel to
Federal Street. This building form, because of its gigantic proportion, would seem to dominate the scene more than any other, but as will be seen later it has been suppressed to a point where it now stays within a proper dimension.
Aside from their functional relationships to each other, these buildings fulfill another important task, that of defining the boundries of open and closed space. This is important when one considers the variety of activities carried on. Busy open areas set aside for manufacturing activities are - 23 -
completely detatched from the more quiet and restful public areas. These elements form the nucleus of the composition.
They help to divide the site spatially and physically forming areas around which Armory life evolves. - 24 -
B. Open Spaces and Plazas
In a sense, the open areas form the backbone of the author's planning. Created in several levels, they provide a certain adherence to the urban design pattern. Within the site they hold the key to its activities.
Dominant within this composition is the public plaza. Its major axis in conjunction with the triad is considered to be northeast-southwest. Enclosed by the parking garage to the east, and by the Old Main Arsenal to the west, by the admin- istration building to the south, and by the manufacturing plant and Armory operation building in the north, it is the focal point of the complex.
One of the main planning problems confronting the author is that of retaining the inherent atmosphere of the present
Armory without destroying the idea of openness. To the author's mind only one solution is worth merit; it is that the public plaza is intended to recall the intrinsic flavor of the Military Training Field, once the center of Armory activity.
A detailed description of the plaza is as follows: It is divided unequally by an elevated walkway connecting the - 25 -
main entrance to a central passage north of the plaza, around which all main elements are grouped. The larger of the two portions is depressed four feet, to differentiate it from the plaza as a whole. It is loosely defined on every side by buildings, trees, water and covered walks. To the observer, one feature stands as being most dominate. The Main Arsenal
Building of 1805, symbolizing the beginning of this install- ation, towers above the other structures dwarfing them by its own importance. The other elements grouped around it are simple elevated masses lifted above ground. Thereby, they permit the observer complete visual freedom. To give a sense of scale to the grounds, a pattern of long rectangles is employed. This system is subtly discernible throughout both portions; the lower part, somewhat formal in character, is composed of unpaved rectangles filled with clipped hedges and well kept stands of grass, and the upper is reversed with more pavement than grass.
The second major area, perpendicular to the main axis, could be called the manufacturing plaza. Closed to the public and hidden from its view, it houses the hustle and bustle familiar to every factory. This area is enclosed on all four sides by elements directly related to the manufacturing operation.
The asphalt pavement and the architecture of the enclosing buildings are indicative of the activity therein. - 26 -
On the other side of the manufacturing block another plaza is created. This area is again closed to the public. It is per- pendicular to the public plaza and separated from it by the
Armory operation building. Opposite this building and at the far end is Research and Development. Enclosing the third side is the long facade of the manufacturing plant. This plaza then, completely informal in character is provided mainly for the recreation of Armory employees. Benches line the walks-. shaded by informal grouping of trees. Open areas are present to accommodate the routine lunch time softball game. A restaurant and coffee shop are included in the operations building to complete the function of the space.
The fourth enclosed area, the housing area will be discussed under "Housing."t - 27 -
C. Security
The problem of security is resolved in two ways: by success- fully enclosing the area under restriction and by providing suitable means of entrance and exit. The author's solution to the problem is a bit more devious than the direct govern- ment approach. To enclose the area he has employed water, fences, buildings, and in one location a firing range. To control the entrances, he uses elevated walkways. All of these methods are used to insure one design criterion, the unlimited feeling of space.
Water plays an important part in the planning, because it creates an artificial barrier, a moat, between public and private areas, and a source of interest within the composi- tion.
A detailed description of the perimeter security is as follows: A smooth stone fence beginning at the west end of the moat, and continuing northeast to the firing range, separates the employees' recreation area from that of the housing. No visual tie need be affected there. The test ranges are in themselves a method of security, because they are formed into step-like terraces. The step is continued along Pearl Street by the use of retaining walls to a point behind the warehouse building. A metal fence, much the same as the one now in - 28 -
existence, is then used to turn the corner at Pearl and Federal
Streets. From the truck entrance to the employees' entrance the two plant Facility Buildings act as barriers. The ring is completed by a fence from the Employees' entrance to the water.
The elevated walkways are, in the author's opinion, the key to the security problem. Having once gained access to them, a pedestrian then is free to travel to any element on the site, by the most direct route. The central elevated passage is parallel to the public plaza, and combines with the moat to form its northern boundry. This passage can be entered from the west by the end of the moat, and from the east by the employees' entrance. An auxillary walkway bisects the central passage and connects the Administration building with the others.
It is thought that these passages serve more than one function.
Since they are apparent throughout a major portion of the com- position, they would tend to separate as well as relate forms and planes within the composition. - 29 -
D. THE BUILDINGS
1. Administration Building
The most important overall planning concept is to place the offices in correct relationship to both the public and
factory, between whom the office attention must be equally divided. Visitors to the installation are met by a clean,
spacious, well-designed unit yielding a good first impression of the composition. This building houses the executive branches of the Armory. The structure is elevated, thus clos- ing it to the public. One mass formed by the elevator bank
and stairs connects the building to the ground creating a
single, controlled entrance. Located next to the administra- tion building in a dependent fashion, is the personnel build-
ing, containing the reception area and personnel activities.
Adjacent to both, defining the remainder of the main entrance, is the visitor t s parking area.
2. Parking
Federal Street acts as a service way to the parking garage and manufacturing plaza. Since traffic can be controlled by
Armory guards, and is less traveled than State Street, it is ideal for this purpose. The other streets have already been ruled out. A central parking garage such as shown, elimin- ates the problem of scattered unsightly parking areas, thus creating more usable land. In addition it serves to clear - 30 -
the site of a number of access roads, giving people a more suitable pedestrian environment.
A series of vertical tension cables enclose the inner space of this structure. They are used functionally as a bumper guard, and architecturally as an interesting treatment of the exterior.
3. Manufacturing Buildings
The one large eight acre structure houses the entire manu- facturing operation of the Armory under one roof. By creating
as much unobstructed floor area as possible, and by concen-
trating it in this manner, unrestricted flexibility is achieved, more compatible to pilot line production. As it was stated
earlier, its location is intended to minimize its importance.
The horizontal dimension of this structure is obviously quite long, but vertical it is no greater than the building sur- rounding it. The problem then is to suppress the longer sides. To the northeast of the block, the author has tried to hide
the facade and the activity of the plaza, by using the other related elements as an architectural screen. The embankment
controls the view from Pearl Street. The other two sides, toward the employees and public plazas are designed to continue
the architectural standard of the composition. - 31 -
Of the other related elements--power plant, warehouse and plant facilities building--only the power plant merits addi- tional discussion. Because of the double security require- ment, the author has elevated this structure by placing it on a platform; the thought being that the platform would limit access to the structure and also provide a base for its
strong forms.
4. Armory Operation Building and Research and Development
In contrast to the heaviness of the manufacturing block, these buildings are treated more delicately. The operation building
separates the public plaza from that of the employeest , while
the Research and Development building terminates the composi-
tion at the far end of the employees' plaza.
The upper floors of the Armory operation building are made up
of a collection of offices supervising activities carried on within the manufacturing plant. The lower floor is allocated
to the cafeteria and snack bar, both opening onto the green
to the north. The cafeteria is centrally located serving the majority of Armory buildings.
Research and Development is essentially independent of the - 32 - rest of the Armory functions. Their work is highly secret.
The author has intentionally set this branch apart of the major complex.
5. Museum
It is logical that the early Arsenal Building be used to house the weapons museum. It is thought that this building will make an excellent repository for ancient relics. It is not only symbolic of the past, but it maintains the possessions of its history.
6. Public Park
Originally it was intended that both Armory and Federal Squares be incorporated into the site for this project, but as the planning progressed it became apparent that Federal Square was no longer needed as part of the site. After consulting with
the Springfield City Planning Commission, it was found that areas northeast of Federal Square were totally lacking in teen-age play area. It was then decided to develop a play field in this space, using only a portion of the grounds as a link between the two squares.
7. Housing
The author has chosen to locate the housing units along the - 35 - southwest slope of the site overlooking the core of the city.
He feels that they are first more compatible with their urban surroundings and second adaptable to the terrain. Using the existing commanding officers' quarters as a pivot point, they form a large periphery enclosing two smaller spaces. The larger of the two is axial, pointing toward Quarters One.
Its character is expressed by a formal pattern of trees and walks. The smaller is merely an extension of the broad greens surrounding the main quarters.
Two of the smaller quarters are for Enlisted personnel, the other two are to be used for key civilian employees or junior grade officers. The remaining eighteen units are for ranking military officers. It is felt that these units express a more desirable mode of living than the average military dwelling units found elsewhere.
The author's intent is to plan a standard housing unit spa- cious and flexible enough to supplement the requirements of any military family. The rhythmic pattern of the blocks offers a variety of spaces suitable for outdoor living with emphasis on the equal treatment of all. The units are tied together to form three collective bodies, at the same time affording a certain amount of individuality to each. MODEL OF HOUSING GROUPS
- 34 -
Each pair of overlapping blocks forms a stairwell linking the basement, first and second floors. The ground floor is
broken into a quiet and active area by the kitchen core. The living area, though quite large, is designed to accommo-
date large gatherings of people, common to military routine.
The recreation area, open to the kitchen, is used for more
informal living. A snack counter is provided on one side of the kitchen more near the service entrance. For added con-
venience a half-bath is contained within the core near the main entrance. Laundry facilities and added storage space
are located in the basement where there is also space for
spare-time activities. The elevated block in each case is composed of sleeping quarters--master bedroom and bath and
four other rooms sharing a common bath. Beneath the elevated blocks facing the access road, is space for two cars and an
outdoor storage cabinet.
All units are supplied with heat from the main power plant.
The smaller units function in much the same manner, differing
from the others in shape and size.
Completing the housing complex is the officerst club. Used
for many large public gatherings, as well as minor military
recreational activities, this building is directly accessible
from Pearl Street, and provided with a large parking lot. -- 35 -
Though different in function from the housing design, it is small enough to be treated in the same spirit. . r a - su 3Ra m m---- -W xlge r..a . , .m- r . - --- aWn A DESIGNSTUDY FOR SPRINGFIELD ARMORY F RE DE R 1CK T. KUBITZ
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